Slater Heelis (Part of Lawfront)

Crime and Regulatory

Managing Partner & Head of Crime and Regulatory

Rachel is a Criminal Defence Solicitor and Director here at Slater Heelis, and she is based at our Manchester office. She has specialised in private crime and regulatory cases and has advised individuals, director and corporations under investigation from the GMC, The Environment Agency, The General Pharmaceutical Council, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and local councils.

Prior to that Rachel was Solicitor and Director at Freeman & Co where she spent 10 years dealing with high profile, high net worth and celebrity clients. She has acted for doctors, lawyers, accountants, business owners and celebrities and sports stars. Rachel understands the impact that criminal and regulatory proceedings can have upon individuals and corporations and always goes the extra mile for her clients.

Clients often come to Rachel by recommendation. She prides herself on giving straightforward, robust advice and is also a Law Society mentor under the Reignite Mentoring Programme which supports individuals seeking to return to or progress in their careers in law. She is also a mentor for students at Salford University as part of the Future Females programme, and is a key contact for the LGBT Foundation.

As Head of the Criminal Defence team, she has been recognised as winner of the 2022 Crime Team of the Year by the Manchester Legal Awards, and was s shortlisted finalist in 2025.

Rachel graduated from York University with a BA Honours in Politics and completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Rachel has recently been appointed Head of Education for Women in Criminal Law’s sub-committee in Manchester.

Rachel was appointed as Managing Partner in 2024.

Road Traffic Offences

Rachel has experience in all motoring offences including speeding, failing to furnish, drink driving, careless, inconsiderate, dangerous driving and serious cases involving death or serious injury.

Private Client Criminal Offences

Rachel has particular expertise in representing private clients in criminal and regulatory matters including advising and assisting at the Police Station, Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. She has dealt with all types of criminal cases including Murder, serious assaults and sexual assaults/rape, indecent image cases, fraud, theft and dishonesty offences, conspiracy to supply Class A/B/C drugs, dangerous dog cases, offences involving weapons and youth crime.

Women in Criminal Law.

Rachel graduated from York University with a BA Honours in Politics and completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Law and LPC at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Rachel is a mum of two and a nature and animal lover.